Philippines FDA Extends CMDR Fee Suspension 2026

The Philippines FDA CMDR Fee Suspension 2026 has been extended following the issuance of Department Circular No. 2026-0329 by the Department of Health (DOH). The circular extends the suspension of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2024-0016 for another 120 working days, or until the State of National Energy Emergency is lifted, whichever is longer.

This extension allows medical device manufacturers to continue submitting Certificate of Medical Device Registration (CMDR) applications under the current government fee schedule before the revised fees take effect.

What is Department Circular No. 2026-0329?

The Department of Health has extended the suspension of Administrative Order No. 2024-0016, which introduces revised government fees for medical device registration in the Philippines.

Under Department Circular No. 2026-0329, the suspension remains effective for an additional 120 Philippine working days from 2 June 2026, or until the State of National Energy Emergency is lifted, whichever is longer, unless DOH issues a new directive.

This extension provides manufacturers with additional time to submit medical device registration applications at the current government fee rates.

Why this extension matters

The extension presents a valuable opportunity for manufacturers planning to enter the Philippine market.

During the suspension period, applicants may continue to submit Certificate of Medical Device Registration applications under the existing FDA fee schedule. Once AO No. 2024-0016 becomes effective, government registration fees are expected to increase significantly, particularly for higher-risk medical devices.

For companies preparing product launches, submitting applications before the revised fee schedule takes effect could result in substantial cost savings.

Current vs expected CMDR registration fees

The extension allows manufacturers to continue benefiting from the existing registration fee structure.

The expected increase represents a significant change in the regulatory cost of obtaining medical device registration in the Philippines.

Expected timeline

Based on the current extension, the suspension is expected to remain in effect at least until approximately 20 November 2026, calculated as 120 Philippine working days from 2 June 2026. Because the circular applies the longer of the 120-working-day period or the State of National Energy Emergency period, the suspension may continue beyond that date if the State of National Energy Emergency remains in effect.

Manufacturers should continue monitoring whether:

• The State of National Energy Emergency remains in effect beyond the expected 120-working-day period; or
• The Department of Health issues a new circular or directive.

What should medical device manufacturers do?

Companies planning to register medical devices in the Philippines should consider taking advantage of the extended suspension period.

Recommended actions include:

• Reviewing products planned for Philippine market entry.
• Preparing technical documentation for CMDR submission.
• Confirming product classification and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinating with the local authorized representative or Philippine licence holder.
• Submitting eligible CMDR applications before the revised fee schedule becomes effective.

Early submission may help manufacturers avoid substantially higher government registration fees.

Planning for regulatory compliance

Although the current fee schedule remains in place during the suspension period, manufacturers should continue preparing for the eventual implementation of AO No. 2024-0016.

In addition to budgeting for future registration costs, companies should ensure their regulatory documentation is complete and submission-ready to avoid delays once the revised fee structure takes effect.

Organizations with multiple products planned for the Philippine market may also wish to prioritize upcoming registrations while the current government fees remain available.

Conclusion

The extension of the Philippines FDA CMDR Fee Suspension 2026 provides medical device manufacturers with additional time to submit registration applications under the existing government fee schedule. With registration fees expected to increase significantly once Administrative Order No. 2024-0016 is implemented, companies planning market entry should review their regulatory timelines and consider submitting eligible CMDR applications during the suspension period. Manufacturers should continue monitoring announcements from the Department of Health and the Philippine FDA for any further updates.

Internal link

• FDA Philippines Medical Device Registration

External link

• Official DOH Department Circular No. 2026-0329 announcement